Shimon Peres bid farewell to the Prime Minister with a moving comment: "He was a great friend of Israel and supported us on a personal level both politicaly and religiously. He had a real understanding for the plight of the Jewish people." There you have it, in black and white! An unequivocal endorsement of the support that Mr. Blair as Prime Minister has afforded this nation... on a personal level!
When the Palestinian Prime Minister spoke he simply said he hoped that Blair's successor would have a less biased approach to the crisis.
There will never be a resolution to the Middle Easts bedlam, bloodshed and tragedy and its threat to World peace until a balanced political approach is brought to bear by Britain, America and the rest of the world. Mr Blair knows what needs to be done as he demonstrated in the North of Ireland. So why has he blindly supported Israel?And why is Condoleza Rice so eager to support Mr Blair. Unless of course peace in the Middle East is not on the agenda.

Bryan Eustace, Dubai, Dubai

Mr Blair has the ear of world leaders, and the Middle East knows this. He therefore has enough power to drive process forward. A new solution requires new people. This is a good move on behalf of the International Community.

Paul Charney, London, UK

Blair can now tell the truth why he supported the war in Iraq; That trying to spread democracy is the best way to help the Arab nations and world peace (even at the expense of his good name) This time let's try to support him

Fred Brough, Brive la Gaillarde,

Is it April the first, already?

Abdul Ali, Tehran, Iran

How much is the salary for this new job for Blair? What are the perks? Is it full-time? Is Blair allowed to spend time writing his autobiography and giving talks on the lucrative lecture tour (well, in America, that is)? Somehow, I find it difficult to imagine either Tony or Cheri is likely to give up their chance to make some big money now that he is no longer PM. Please, some investigative reporter, take at look at this angle.

Marcia Halvorsen, Goteborg,

"All these negative comments. Doesn't matter who they appoint..." -- julie, Russellville, USA/AR

"Doesn't matter who they appoint", is definitely a negative comment.

Timmy, London, UK

No doubt, Tony Blair has clearly shown that he is bereft of fresh ideas and policy that could serve as the road map to peace in the middle east. There is little he can do to change the negative perception of the world on his litany of fiasco in the Middle East.

tunde martins, Abuja, Nigeria

Once Tony Blair's sins have been forgiven him and his past is as white as the driven snow, then perhaps he can start again by saving the Arab world. However it is not easy to see Tony Blair able to convince a sceptical world that he is already forgiven or that he can complete the latest transformation within the next few days. I really fear for his soul.

Brian Lewis, Manila, Philippines

They must have chosen Blair because they couldn't find Osama Bin Laden, Paris Hilton is in the clink, and the Spice Girls are are too busy doing a reunion.

Fed up , London, England

Disgusting. A slap in the face of all those who marched to try and prevent the Iraq invasionl. Who nominated him? How was he selected? Who got him the job? Answers please.

alan, cologne,

Prematurely leaving his UK premiership, isn't proof enough of his failure, it has to be confirmed by another disastrous failure in the M.E? Can Mr Blair do no wrong?

Stanzler, New York, USA

Quoting Izzyun, London "the 10million british people who follow the faith of Islam."

I think you'll find it's more like 1.6 million.

Phil, Japan,

David from LA said "If he really wanted peace in the Middle East, he would stay the hell away." Just about sums up everyones position on the Middle East, everyone wants to just "stay away" because it a delicate issue. Blair might not so popular in Iraq, but he is respected in the Middle East as a whole, and for good reason. He is intelligent and quick on his feet, he is made for this job, I can't think of anyone who could do it better. The war on terror is not in Iraq or Afganisatan, it all starts with the Israeli-Palestine issue.

Phil, Japan,

Nice, he's got his work cut out for him!

LL Cool J, New York City, New York

Look on the bright side, every time Blair goes out to the middle east he will have to spend six month's in quarantine when he comes back to the UK ....Ruff Ruff

Mike, Bremen,

As to 'great" one cannot say - let history judge - but as with so many others you may think you deal with a poodle, but neath the skin lies the fox.

Hail Sir Reynard!

glenn schaefer, holbrook, usa

As an American who lived four years in England while my father served there as a USAF officer, I have long admired many things about England.

Tony Blair is a terrific selection for such a post. He has the patience and assertiveness required for diplomacy. It doesn't hurt either that he has a good sense of humor and he is totally comfortable with who he is. These qualities are what I remember about many of the English people I came to know when my family lived there.

If this story becomes reality I wish him all the best.

richard, Arlington, USA

Well thats settled then, the region is condemned to another 60 years of turmoil.

Victor Nadine, Manchester, England

Dear Sirs,
What a farce. The man that gave the credibility of the British people (without their consent) to the US to go ahead with this illegal invasion should be kept as far away from the Middle East as possible. Without that credibility I doubt whether the US would have had the courage to go ahead. One of two lunatics running the asylum?
Regards

CRL Child, Ajaccio, Corsica

Provided he goes and lives in the Gaza Strip, I am all in favour.

Jonathan Wilton, Bukit Timah, Singapore

How can the man who refused to sanction a ceasefire in Lebanon last year, thereby causing several hundered additional civilian deaths, be a Peace envoy? HE HAS BLOOD ON HIS HANDS. He is a disgrace to Britain.
This poodle of George Bush and Israel should be shunned by all the Arabs.

N. Homsi, Amman, Jordan

Oh no!

Ibn Farook, leicester, UK

Congratulation, Tony!, and Good luck!

cecilia, milan, italy

"He failed when his judgment was clouded by economic pressure from the US over supporting the Iraq war and that is something he will have to live with." Alan, Purley

Unlike all the people who have died because of it.

C. Morland, Bath,

I'm wondering why Bill Clinton wasn't considered for the job since he's had more experience with Middle East diplomacy. Is Mr. Blair higher on the Bilderberg ladder?

Paula Yingst, Vista, Calfornia, USA

But Middle East people aren't Roman Catholic. How can Blair show his religious bias there. The only way that he was 'successful' in N. Ireland was because he was in cohoots with Adams and McGuinness because of their biased common religious belief. He won't be able to use his biased religious influence in the Middle East, but you can bet that he will try some betrayal of one or more party's trust. How did he get this job, anyway. I wonder how many people applied for a job application and interview. Obviously no-one, yet another old pals act. Blair’s government made it illegal to not treat people equally. Why doesn’t it apply to him.

Lynda Plum, London, england

First, Britain and America create the country Israel after the 2nd world war, unrest in the region ensues and continues to this day. Now America is nominating a Briton (who is controversial to say the least) to the position of PEACE envoy, (ILLEGAL IRAQ WAR = PEACE???) therefore (more than likely) ensuring continued unrest in the already troubled region. As we live in "democracies" we can be sure that our leaders will listen to us, give us a referendum on the EU and not be silly enough to send Blair... wait... this is still a democracy... isn't it...

Graeme, Edinburgh,

On the plus side, if all the sides in the Middle East hate him so much at least they will have, finally, found something to agree upon.

Lillie, Cornwall, England

Politics is the art of possible and bears through alliances.So Tony Blair could succeed where others have failed.

Dr Abdul Jaleel, Darlington, United Kingdom

This is extraordinary. I'm concerned that he believes he has a divine role to play. Who knows, the world has gone into a surreal wobble, maybe the idea is nuts enough to work. Is there already a St Tony? Maybe his private conversation with the Pope was to pitch his required miracle.

Chris Dyer, braunton,

I think Tony Blair Has been a good a good prime minister for
The last ten years.He is a hard act to follow.everyone makes mistakes.The Iraq war was a mistake history will be his judge
on the issue .He is man of courage and Conviction who took a grave decision he will live with for the rest of his life.
Last but not least he is a excellant choice for middle east envoy i wish him all the best in his new job.

karen Mckenzie, Aberdeen, Scotland

When Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace prize I thought it was the death of irony. Apparently not.

Ken Danbury, Javea, Spain

This will be my last post for a couple of days, have to reroute network cables into the fallout shelter.

mike mines, london, uk

Why are we imposing on a tragic and traumatised area of the world the likes of Tony Blair? Some time soon, a representative of Hamas will point out that the founders of modern Israel were once seen as terrorists. His reply will be a masterpiece of mendacity and obfuscation, and any credibility will vanish. Come on, Cherie, veto this nonsense. Let us send him to a place where is particular 'talents' can best be utilised..the bureaucracy of the European Union!

david jones, london,

Now we know why Blair has been travelling the world trying to convince people what a good man he is. There just had to be a reason.

Now if we could just fathom why he is changing to Roman Catholic. What could the Pope have possibly promised him. The mind boggles!

june Thomas, West Glamorgan, S Wales

It'll be interesting to watch Blair walk the streets of baghdad/gaza alone. I'm sure they'll throw flowers at him.

Abdul Ali, Tehran, Iran

Very sound planning on his part. With diplomatic status, he can't be arrested for war crimes the first time he goes abroad on a Ryanair package tour to Tuscany.

And he will need to be "Lord" Blair to add gravitas to the role, which will be used to silence the critics of his inevitable title in the next week or so, of course.

Oh what a tangled web we weave...

MARK, London, UK

Will we taxpayers be paying him? If not us, who?

Mr H Foxworthy, FORFAR, Angus, Scotland

This tidal wave of sheep-like negativity rather grates on the nerves. Blair is a politician of vast experience and proven diplomatic skills. Just because various Arab leaders have disagreed with his policies does not mean that he is not respected for his drive, his influence and his ability to deliver. He would be a good candidate for this monumental task.

Bob Yule, London, UK

Is this a joke? Or a huge ego trying desperately to build a legacy while thumbing his nose at the very people he so injured? If he really wanted peace in the Middle East, he would stay the hell away.

David Merit, Los Angeles, CA/USA

Why is it that the only 2 people here who are praising blair seem to be from israel and the US? I am sure it doesn't have anything to do with him acceding to all the demands of these 2 governments.

jack, london, uk

It is not just the Middle East that view Blair as a tainted figure for having led Britain into an illegal war in Iraq, as well as failing to call for a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict in Lebanon last year. Blair has lost all credability as a politician and as a respected statesman that is able to demonstrate respect, impartiality and senstivity.

Blair has shown that he is not impartial and it is obvious the policy he supports and who he allies his views with. The White House (pro Israel) is pushing for his appointment says it all. The Iraq war, Israel’s conflict in Lebanon, need we say more. Where are the weapons of mass destruction?, wheres Osama?. we're waiting.

Blair has sided with America's tactics in dealing with the war on terrorism, whilst alienating the 10million british people who follow the faith of Islam.
For failing to call for a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict in Lebanon Blair has shown that he has no respect for anyone who doesnt follow his belief system.

Izzyun, London,

"The future will judge Mr. Blair as a 'great', probably surpassing Winston Churchill!

Ralph Griffith, West Chester, USA/Ohio"

Possibly in USA where they have a warped view of reality. Everywhere else, including the UK, he will be remembered as a disgrace. Why can't he just disappear into obscurity and not cause any more damage. WHAT A MESS!

J Stone, Tunridge Wells, UK

I really like to read those comments that paint the US/UK as "war-mongering alliances", great one Jane. It means even that much more from some one whose nation started EVERY major war in Europe since the 1860's and ignited this planet into TWO world wars. Great job there, by the way, in not starting another. Oh yeah, thats right, the only reason Germany hasn't is BECAUSE of the "war mongering" US and UK. This world is simply envious of the West because of it's power and prestige. A day will come when the US/UK are no longer a major force on the world scene and it will be the next power that will make the world mourn for the West.

Wayne, San Antonio, TX USA

The middle east is in turmoil with religious wars. What could Tony Blair possibly bring to the table that would solve the crisis their?

It's a never ending battle that will eventually be resolved in the end-times!!!

Greg Silver, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Tony Blair is the man involved in the conspiracy to invade and occupy Iraq. He didn't condemn the Israeli bombardment of civilian targets in Lebanon last year and he has recently rubber stamped a knighthood for Salman Rushdi.
How exactly is he going to be trusted by any of the Muslims involved in the Middle East?

roger, york,

Middle East wars last 400 years, so Tony will not work any spin here, I expect he will find that yesterdays leaders don't count for much, he must be loved as much as Saddam. Is it not time we realised that Middle Eastern Countries like 'Rulers' & not our democratic way? come to think about it, we are not too happy with our politicians, perhaps we should ask the Queen to step back in and at least we would have stability, honest answers & would not be sold out to an even worse EEC old boys club. What is next a World Parliament. Business Leaders are the people who are improving our wealth , health, not so much our happiness, if they ran their companies like our politicians the shareholder would vote them out at once. We need to find quality leaders as politicians, pay them a million & get rid of them at once if they don't perform.

charles, cannes, france

This must be someone's idea of a sick joke, this man is the same person who is responsible for unleashing the utter devastation and carnage in Iraq, and the susequent 3/4 of a million deaths as a result.

Whi says the asylum is not run by idiots!!!!!

Pauline Hickey, Bradford,

Sir,
Nooooooo! Whoops Apocalypse. Pax Americana rules, whilst it's time for the rest of us start becoming even more nervous.
All those who don't want peace will be ecstatic, cause trouble and strife, and grab the resources, divide et impere.
The Manichean dualists, militarists and assorted "religious" nuts be over the moon e.g.
1) US military-industrial complex
2) US Zionists ("Christian" Apocalyse-seekers & AIPAC)
3) "Islamic" Apocalyse-seekers (Al Qaida etc)
I am not too sure about the countries with the natural resources though, it all depends upon how close to the edge Tony pushes it.

SC, London, United Kingdom

I don't understand the European approach to the mid-east. Most people here would rather have an unknown bureaucrat who doesn't accomplish anything rather than an experienced, known leader who helped bring peace to former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Northern Ireland. I understand Europe operates by consensus but the middle east is fractured and unstable and its impossible to control all of the consequences of any change in the balance of power there. Yes, Iraq is a disaster, it's the fault of the Bush Administration, but the criticism of Tony Blair is the same as the usual blanket criticism of the US - he thought big, didn't play only to domestic politics, and made some bad judgment calls. The EU will never have any real power until it stops being so parochial and needful of everybody's constant approval, and starts effecting real change in the world rather than just talking about it endlessly.

Mike, Pittsburgh,

I think Tony Blair has been a great PM, he has engaged with the British public as no other PM has ever before (winning three elections proves that one).He did help improve many things (economy,NHS,etc)and tried hard to improve others (with not much success, but I reckon he genuinely tried and no one can do it on their own) He failed when his judgment was clouded by economic pressure from the US over supporting the Iraq war and that is something he will have to live with. I wish him luck in his new job and that he succeeds in bringing political stability to the Middle East

Alan, Purley,

This is the man who (along with Bush) openly supported Israel's murderous shelling of Palestine. Despite this he thinks himself a peace-maker. Blair has absolutely no credibility in the Middle-East. What next Alistair Campbell in charge of the BBC!

Richard Morris, Foxearth, Essex

Now that Tony Blair is the Quartet representative to the Middle East can we see demands for new Israeli settlement on the West Bank - of the Euphrates rather than the Jordan.

Charles Hughes, Felixstowe, Suffolk,

All these negative comments. Doesn't matter who they appoint. You all sound so scared of conflict. Have you not read the old testament? Wars from day one and it's never going to change, just get worse. Your all going to have to choose between good and evil some day. Don't pick the evil side just because your afraid your going to get beat up.

julie, Russellville, USA/AR

Can he please take the rest of the Labour party with him?

Especially his wife , and of course, Gordon Brown.

Please, just go away....leave us alone to get on with life....

No more hectoring, bleating and propaganda.

To say nothing of the excess of taxation.

Just go away..leave us alone.

N Wilson, Bourne, Lincs

The Middle East will be like Cruft's dog show. Bush's poodle Blair and Olmert's poodle Abbas. Only a peace with Hamas will stick.

Phil, Hong Kong,

The root cause of the Israeli- Palistinian conflict can be traced back to British duplicity at the time of Lawrence of Arabia and other post WW1 actions. If any nation has a responsibility to sort out the mess it would be Britain, but that begs the question does the problem have a solution.

ron hudson, NY, USA

Boy, that's like asking a crack dealer to be parks commisioner.

George, New York,

Will we taxpayers be paying him? If not us, who?

Mr H Foxworthy, FORFAR, Angus, Scotland

When Tony shows up, they'll all be throwing down their weapons to prove that there is no need for his presence. Brilliant strategy!

E J Murray, Kerry, Ireland

Israel will be cheering after reading this news story.

(Remember he let Israel kill 1200 lebanese, when he refused a seize-fire agreement)

Abdul Ali, Tehran, Iran

Not great but perhaps a candidate for sainthood: cite the miracle of election victory whilst in pursuit of war, casinos and freebie holidays.

Geoff Sargent, Cardiff, UK

Someone with so much baggage in the Middle-East appointed as peace maker for the region? And with full support from another, with even more baggage in the same region? Surely this is the mother of all jokes.

Tom Hicks, Durham, UK

No, no, no. Please no.

H. Mathys, Hameenlinna, Finland

He'll just be seen as in Bush's pocket! For the Middle East job you need someone that is clearly and obviously and utterly impartial.

T. Bishop, London, UK

It's like asking Castro to join the Conservative Party, or Bush to be UN General Secretary, or the inventor of the V bomb to be Mayor of London. Quite ludicrously silly. Where do our leaders get their ideas from?

john problem, London, uk

Whom does he know,to get such a lucrative job as soon as he leaves office?!

sam, Dallas, USA

Bravo Condoleezza Rice for nominating Blair as international envoy in the Middle East. Putting forward a man with Mr Blair's record in the area is like adding petrol to a smoldering fire. A fine diplomatic initiative.

Simon Marshland, Bath, UK

NO NO NO....

Richard, Totnes,

Let's hope he can't find his way back.

judy, Liverpool, england

Lest we forget Blairs peace credentials. The N.I. agreement between Adams and Paisley had very little to do with him and more to do with those two hard liners finally sorting out their differences. To suggest Blair as an ambassador of peace is the biggest pile of crap I've ever heard. Is the world really nuts, as having screwed up the UK & Iraq do they really want to let him loose on the middle east !!! With 150 UK deaths in his name and god knows how many thousands of Iraqi deaths and they still want him as an envoy for peace in the Middle East. This sounds like WWIII will soon be on its way from any number of hot spots in the Islamic world.

Mike, Alicante, Spain

This has to be some sort of a joke? Blair’s contribution to Middle East peace seems to have been to:
• encourage Bush in the total folly that was the invasion of Iraq – thereby taking our eye off the Afghanistan ball and allowing the Taliban to creep back into contention
• failing to insist that the USA had a proper plan for the post war situation in Iraq – thereby making himself an accomplice to the murder of tens of thousands of innocent Iraqis
• Not standing up the US and Israel on the need to create a viable state for Palestinians and saying nothing when Israel went totally over the top in Lebanon last summer.

The only person who would be even less suited to the task would be Osama Bin Laden!

Kevin, Kent,

Truly one of the best prime ministers we've had. I'm so pleased to see him take a prominent role on the global stage.

Some good news for a change!

Henrietta Forbes Hamilton, London, UK

In my honest opinion, Tony Blair is the last man walking who should be given that job.
Is it not obvious that GWB only wants it to be him so that he will do HIS bidding. What a sham, and we wonder why they hate us.

Tom, Birmingham, U.K

The phrase "only in america" seems now to be "only in the UN"

Perhaps they are actually using Blair as bait in order to provoke a new war

Kate, Weymouth, UK

I have had a gutful of Tony Blair and his spin. Especially after the David Kelly saga how in god's name can he be awarded with this middle east role. I tell you how it is thanks to th U.S..

Demos Kalliades, Northolt, England

Pathetic

T.Mac, St.Helens, England

It's a fitting appointment.

There's never any progress in the Middle East.

And Blair has been an utter failure in his career at everything but making speeches.

Lots more speeches and no progress ahead.

John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada

My 17-year-old daughter summed it all up;

A professional politician is an inherently mendacious person who seeks to achieve power or access to it for personal gain by manipulating people and exploiting situations without regard to the morality or consequences of their actions.

I paraphrased this for her in much more colourful language with which my old sar' major would've concurred ...

Michael Keith Voges, London,

Someone who is sypathetic to the Muslims should have been nominated for the job.

Sam Danso, London, UK

This is unbelievable, he can carry on as the mouth piece for the usa. l cannot believe that the rest of the world can agree to this, do they really think that the main players in the middle east will work with Mr Blair.
l think it is madness but the politicians across the world are all in it together, its becoming an old boys club YOU RUB MY BACK AND I RUB YOURS

DAVID REARDON, nuneaton, uk

He's going to what...? It's like a PG Wodehouse farce and if it wasn't so serious it would be laughable!

As for the future judging him to a great, my question would be a great what - decency prevents me from commenting.

Graham, kinmuck, UK

Surely Tony Blair is the least qualified person to broker 'peace' considering his approach to the Israeli - Lebanon 'conflict', whilst allowing US weapons supply planes to refuel here on their way to Israel, Illegal and unwinnable wars in Iraq, and Afghanistan while he completely ignores the situation in Darfur.

Its like letting Michael Jackson become a primary school teacher.

Matt Lovell, London, UK

I honestly wonder how Tony Blair can sleep at night being responsible, together with George Bush for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocents in Iraq and Afghanistan! The most frightening aspect is, he still believes he is right! This gives a true impression of the mans utter arrogance and contempt for public opinion! History will judge you Mr. Blair and the passing of time will expose your mistakes and deceptions in Government!

R.B., Leicester,

So none of these countries actually want peace then?

Bill Bird, Wallasey, Wirral

Well, at least he can devote himself full time now to completely alienating the Middle East. He's not done a half bad job while he's had other things to do as Prime Minister, so presumably now he should be able to finish the job properly and make sure everybody hates us.

Paul Downes, MIlton Keynes, Bucks

Mr Blair, who has Tarik Ramadan, the grandson of Hassan al Banna, as his advisor on Muslim affairs, will be judged as the useful idiot for the Islamification of the UK.

One day , some of our politicians will take the trouble to read chapter 9 of the Qu'ran, the final chapter revealed to Mohammed, and figure out that there is nothing unislamic in the behavior of Usama bin Laden or the Ayahtollas

Christopher Hyde, Paris, France

Bliar looks like getting a brief with no prospect of resolution. But that's precisely what he wants! He need time to write his memoirs whilst going through the motions of a job activity surrounded by a team of doers.

What is truly amazing is the blindness and insensitivity of the powers that be that are backing the Middle East appointment given Bliar's appalling track record with the Arabs, especially and in particular among the Iraqis. His inflated ego and sense of self-importance are his real legacy which may well lead to his demise.

Edward Willhoft, Epsom, UK

I hear they are also thinking of naming Osama Bin Laden as head of the CIA's anti-terrorsim branch....

The words "turvey a its world topsy" spring to mind, although not necessarily in that order.

The Dude, Madrid, Spain

Those Americans are smart. Blair can be relied on to keep the Middle East in "simmer" mode for years to come; neither at war, nor at peace. Just what they want, while all that oil waits to be extracted.

Howard, Johannesburg,

He would be fantastic in this job and would prove to the Muslim population of the Middle East (and the world) his even handedness in dealings with the problem. He is not anti anyone he just wants to see a just solution to a very complex problem that has been unresolved for more than a generation. He is a highly competent politician who would see his task as a mission. I can't think of anyone more suited to the task if he does get the full support and job description from the quartet

Paul Bradley, Eastbourne, E Sussex

Someone has a very warped sense of humour! Maybe he'll achieve sainthood when the Iraq death toll reaches one million!

Phil, Hong Kong,

It's not exactly that great.... he was one of the key political figures into the Iraq War... and now they are reinforcing him in an area that doesn't need any more problems...

Surely he shouldn't get paid for the job... the money could come in handy in sorting out issues such as climate change.

Jason Hui, Bristol, UK

This is wonderful, as one of the two men who have done most to destabilise that area let alone the world, he is of course the obvious choice for such a job. In the same way that you would appoint a convicted paedophile to be head of an infants school. Totally unbelievable.

FEF, Cheltenham Glos,

What a joke!

Nathan, Surrey,

The thing I have never understood is why America decides everything, when it's historically pro-Israel.

Why do the other parties, particularly Europe, always accept America's line on every foreign policy issue eg Hamas, World Bank, Iran etc etc ... and now Blair apparently.

Haven't decades of bloodshed and failed foreign policy taught anyone anything?

Bob Monroe, Tuscany, Italy

This is ridiculous and simply goes to illustrate just how far removed from reality these politicians have become.

APK, Bruxelles,

Just interested as to how Mr. Blair can take on this extra role in the world when he is still an MP and is meant to be in Parliment representing his constituents.

Chris, Abergavenny,

Errr ------is this the guy who sanctioned the gong for Salman Rushdie?

colin johnson, Milford Haven,

He will shaft somebody or country don't give much
for Israel's position.

Barry Holmes, Christchurch, New Zealand

history will without doubt judge Tony Blair as a good prime minister despite the petty moaners - his only mistake was to invade Iraq and not Iran

ada, london,

Does this mean he wont stand trial for War Crimes ? He is (rightfully) loathed in the Arab world. Very much the fox in the hen house. Beyond rational beleif.


hedge teacher

Captain Charles Cameron-Lunny, Rothesay, Scotland

Surely this story is some kind of sick joke.

C.Adams, Neath, UK

Surely this is a job that requires a calm quiet behind the scenes sort of diplomat with no ego to stand in the way and no previous record of any personal opinion or attributable action.

Ho hum, well I suppose if you are going to pour oil on a burning fire you may as well do it in a place with a lot of oil, and a lot of fires.

Pete, Edinburgh,

If the evidence of Iraq is anything to go by, we had all better batten down the hatches. How ludicrous to suggest this individual for a job requiring impartiality and senstivity, but above all the respect of the people most closely involved.

Roz, St Neots , England

I am entirely in favour of this appointment.I hope that his official residence is situated in the Gaza strip and that his mode of travel is an open topped jeep.

Michael Boyd-Carpenter, Creyssac, France

Actually, Blair is more respected in the Middle East than many in the UK may think. He is accepted by the Palestinians (except, of course, for Hamas supporters, who are certainly not the majority) for his ongoing efforts to help them achieve statehood.

He is also one of the very few who can influence Israel. Israelis doe not regard him with suspicion as being automatically hostile (no matter what they do), which is the way Israelis regard most Europeans.

Lastly, Tony Blair is highly respected throughout the world (except for Britain). If anyone has a chance of moving the Israel-Palestinian conflict towards resolution it is he.

Ehad Haam, Raanana, ISRAEL

The man who brought death and destruction and virtually wiped out Iraq to be a middle east envoy? Give me a break.
This indeed must be cuckoo land.

Noel DeSilva-Ranasinghe, Melbourne, Australia

A totally disastrous figure. Ineffably arrogant and foolish. Ideas half-baked; execution non-existant.

Worse than Heath. A lot worse than Baldwin. We have to go back to our most hated and catastrophic Kings to find any sort of equivalent. King John. Ethelred the Unrede.

Robert Sebag-Montefiore, Geneva, Switzerland

Oh well...there goes the middle east!

BOOOM!!!!

Henry Adams, Manchester,

Aah, clever. Secure yourself a role by escalating the problem in the first place.

Good job Blair hasn't chosen to work for an internet security firm, otherwise we would have faced four years of him infecting our pcs with viruses first....

Chad Noble, London,

Oh dear. Like we need him in that position. That's just crazy.

Stancel Spencer, Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Poor Tony! He should have asked Putin for a temp position in Gasprom. Now he is stuck with the job that has no meaning, and he is trusted by no one. What a pathetic end for a pathetic prime minister! Serves him right!

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

Very good appointment indeed.It clearly indicates that the US Administration has pushed the Gaza Strip/West Bank situation much higher up the Agenda than in the last two/three years or so.Moreover it iwill be seen as confirmation that the players in the Region recognise that if the PA is to retain any credibility it must not only set up new institutions but also cleanse others of the taint of corruption

Paul, woking,surrey, UK

Look on the bright side : it will keep him very busy, he won't earn much, it will keep him well away from here.

Of course it is futile.
The "west" just refuses to listen to opinions it doesn't like.
The current circus around the discredited and ineffective (and probably unrepresentative) Abbas, is just another tiresome stunt. Will keep Blair busy though.

P Granger, Kent, UK

Blair as peace envoy! Why not the following, equally insane, appointments:
Bush as head of Amnesty International
Nick Griffin as head of the Race Relations commission
Dick Cheney to CND
Keith Richards to the Health Department
Osama bin Laden as president of Israel
Richard Dawkins as Pope
Blair as peace envoy........the world has gone mad!

Bobby Smith, Surrey,

Joschka Fischer would have been the ideal choice. He is tough-acting, pragmatic intellectual with a good understanding of international realities.The international community seems to have been taken by surprise by the arbitrary decision of America or stands ineptly, open-mouthed aside as the US/UK war-mongering alliance does exactly as it pleases. Blair better make good in the Middle East after all he's done with regard to Iraq. Realistically however one can only feel a sense of hoplessness.

Jane Ralph, Nürnberg, Germany

The world's expecting its ''Game for a Laugh'' badge at any moment.

Blair ? - a bad joke.

K Urban, London, UK

Having helped to make a complete mess in Iraq, Tony Blair is to be rewarded with the role of middle east envoy.

Heaven help us all - and the Palestinians most particularly.

richard mullens, London, England

WHY?

Garth Rex, Glendale Heights, USA

I have not a shred of liking or respect for Blair and am glad to see the back of him as the worst Prime Minister Britain has ever had.
For him to accept the post of Middle East Envoy with a remit to try and bring some sort of peace to that region is laughable.
He will forever be tainted by the totally uneccessary war in Iraq which has locked Britain into a long drawn out conflict that we can never win and will cost precious lives and billions of pounds.
He should hang his head in shame and just disappear from the world scene altogether.
We have thankfully got him out of UK affairs and cannot afford to let him meddle in world affairs.

Leonard, Tongyeong, South Korea

Blair and Bush destabilised the middle east, now they think he cabn repair the damage. apart from Ego trips and freebies I don not hink he will do any good

mike, Paphos, Cyprus

This appears to be a pathetic and futile case of the
Disreputable trying to redeem the Disgraced!

Garth Strong, Sherman Oaks, USA/CAL.

We Westerners call somebody who talks to himself insane.

Shirley Jackson, Oliver, BC, Canada

The future will judge Mr. Blair as a 'great', probably surpassing Winston Churchill!

Ralph Griffith, West Chester, USA/Ohio